What should you know about cat otoscope?

An [Otoscope](/technology/otoscope/) has a light and a magnifying viewing system, usually with a clean disposable tip. During an examination, the clinician looks for wax, swelling, discharge, a foreign object, irritation or changes to the eardrum. The findings can help distinguish outer-ear problems from middle-ear inflammation, although the view may be limited by wax, pain or a narrow canal. The instrument does not measure hearing and cannot by itself explain every cause of ear discomfort.

Tell the clinician about pain, fever, drainage, reduced hearing, dizziness, recent swimming, injury and anything placed in the ear. Do not use cotton buds or try to remove a suspected object before the visit. A child may sit on a caregiver’s lap; keeping still helps the clinician see safely. An [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) or [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) can include an ear examination when symptoms call for it.

Arrange prompt assessment for severe ear pain, new hearing loss, discharge, fever, a foreign object or symptoms after an injury. Seek urgent help for severe dizziness, facial weakness, swelling behind the ear, or a head injury with ear bleeding. A clinician may need to clean the canal, prescribe treatment or arrange hearing assessment depending on what the examination shows.

Can you see the eardrum clearly? Is wax blocking the view? What explains my pain or hearing change? Should I keep the ear dry? Do I need a hearing test or follow-up?